BLOEMFONTEIN – The Free State Provincial Initiation Coor-dinating Committee (PICC) hereby informs all stakeholders of theconditions underwhich the FreeState initiation schools shall operatefor the Summer CustomaryInitiationSeason 2024. These conditionsalign with the Customary InitiationAct2021 (Act No 2 of 2021) andother related legislations supportingthe regulation of the initiation practice.
Key Dates:- Initiation schools with school-going age initiates must operate between 29November 2024 and 10January 2025 , aligning with provi-ncial school holidays.
– No initiation schools should commence before school holidays or continuebeyondschool holidays, unless exceptional circumstances are negotiated and substantiated with evidence.
Application Process:- Submit application forms to the PICC c/o Department of Cooperative Governance and Tradi-tional Affairs or nearest municipal offices, accompanied by necessary documents
Regulations:- only approved applications by PICC will be allowed to open initiation schools.
– No permits or people from another province will be allowed to conduct initiation schools in the Free State province
.- Senior Traditional Leaders are responsible for initiation practices within their jurisdiction and will conduct regular inspections.
– All initiates must undergo compulsory medical health screening by a qualified medical practitioner before admission to an initiation school.Parents and Guardians:
– Ensure initiation schools whereyour children are enrolled are registered withPICC and comply withthe Customary Initiation Act (No 2of 2021)
.- Unregistered initiation schools will be regarded as illegal, and legis-lation will be enforced.
Members of the public may use the following contact details to report any irregularities and illegal initiation schools incidents to MrThabo Lehabe:(079) 210 5935 or Mr Daniel Nteo:(063) 834 7523.Let us work together to ensure safe initiation practices and put an end to illega linitiation schools for the Summer Customary Initiation Season 2024.
